Without fail, every time I am around a group of young NCOs, there is one subject guaranteed to come up — the enduring question of “How can I write a stronger EPR for my Airman?” My answer to this question is fairly standard and is one that a chief shared with me many years ago….

The Bible is arguably the most widely read book ever written. It can be, at once, both inspirational and challenging. David Limbaugh, in his book “Jesus on Trial,” writes that the Bible “…describes the great men and women of God who lived in biblical times as they really were … with all of their warts,…

President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation on Oct. 23, 1863, which established Thanksgiving Day as a national observance. The proclamation highlighted the prosperity and expansion of the country even while it was engaged in civil strife. It acknowledged that no foreign country had used the civil war as an opportunity to “provoke their aggressions.” Lincoln’s…

I recently briefed our wing leadership concerning the religious make up of Luke Air Force Base. Our Air Force is very diverse — racially, socioeconomically and religiously. This diversity strengthens our service and in many ways separates us from our civilian neighbors and friends who can, at least in some aspects of their lives, associate…

Courtesy graphic “Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.” ~ Saint Francis of Assisi This sentence reminds us of the simple truth that actions speak louder than words. Most people do not consider themselves to be preachers of any sort. Yet all of us have a sort of pulpit or platform…

On the brink of disaster I found myself this past week with an unusual load of people going though “life storms.” Dealing with those situations I’m reminded of two things: first, we need to take time to be thankful for all the blessings of life — big and little. Second, sometimes when dealing with heavy…

I recently read a quote in an article that I believe defines a true leader. The quote is from Donald H. McGannon and says, “Leadership is action, not position.” This phrase epitomizes my leadership philosophy; specifically, I feel people are leaders by virtue of what they do, not the authority they are given or the…

Greetings Team Luke! Wow, what can I say, time flies when youâ€™re having fun â€¦ this has been a superb ride. Unfortunately for me, I am at the end of a phenomenal tour having to leave a magnificent community. As we depart, I just want to say â€œthanksâ€ to all for your acceptance, support, teamwork…

“Iâ€™ve missed over 9,000 shots in my career. Iâ€™ve lost almost 300 games. Iâ€™ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot 26 times â€¦ and missed. Iâ€™ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.â€ Â Â ~ Michael Jordon As leaders we need to communicate and…

Pentagon Channel

Information

Publisher

The Thunderbolt is published by Aerotech News and Review, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with the 56th Fighter Wing, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.
Contents of the Thunderbolt are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense or the Department of the Air Force.

Disclaimer

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DOD, the Department of the Air Force or Aerotech News and Review of the products or services advertised.
Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs office of Luke AFB, Ariz. All photographs are Air Force photographs unless otherwise indicated.